Advice for great graphics from Signs Express
Signs Express (Harlow)
Vehicle livery specialist Signs Express has provided guidance for fleet operators on how to turn their vehicles into ‘24/7 marketing machines’ through the use of vinyl graphics and wraps.
“An unbranded van or lorry is a wasted opportunity; you wouldn’t hand out blank business cards, so why leave your vehicle blank?” said the firm.
“Vinyl graphics (sometimes called decals or stickers) offer you the chance to add lettering and simple logos using colours and fonts of your choice whilst remaining highly affordable.”
Said to be ideal for leased vehicles and smaller budgets, vinyls can be easily replaced if a vehicle needs repairing, says Signs Express, and can be designed to work with the colour of the vehicle’s paintwork.
Fleets may also consider partial or full vehicle wraps.
“It can be economical and highly effective to only wrap part of the vehicle,” said Signs Express.
“More and more companies are using vibrant colours and strong imagery to brand their vehicles and make the most of the space available.”
Partial wraps can be eye-catching and provide a professional appearance at an affordable price, the company says – though will not be visible from all angles, and will need to be committed to in the medium to long term to ensure value for money.
“The versatility of full vehicle wraps makes them a popular choice to apply your brand identity to any commercial van or truck,” Signs Express continued.
Signs Express (Central Lancashire)
These are reversible, so ideal for lease vehicles, and offer a high-impact with visibility from all directions. The vinyl wrap provides a barrier to potential damage, and can represent a more affordable option than a colour change respray.
However, it is the most expensive kind of wrap, and the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will need to be informed of any full colour change so the registration document (V5C) can be amended, the company advises.
“For safety, any vehicles stopping on UK roads for works or inspections should be equipped with high-visibility rear markings, compliant with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual,” added Signs Express.
“The reflective graphics help keep your workers and other motorists safe. Keeping your panel recess area blank allows the rear of the vehicle to still be branded.
“Depending on the specific use of your vehicle, there are various grades of vinyl along with different widths and angles of chevrons to consider, along with ‘highway maintenance’ text if appropriate.”
Commercial vehicle graphics should represent your brand and must be easy to digest, advises the firm – not only to grab the attention of a potential client passing by, but so they also know how to get in touch.
Signs Express advises that products and services are displayed along with the business name and/or logo. In terms of contact information, a website and a phone number will suffice, it suggests.
“Not all colours will work on your vehicle; for example, silver on a white vehicle is almost impossible to see in some lights,” the firm continued.
“If your company colours don’t work as cut vinyl direct onto the paint colour, we often solve this by flooding the panel with your corporate colour first…
“Where you can, make sure the letters are big enough for more visibility but not so big that they are ‘shouting’.
“Fonts should be evenly spaced so the letters are not squashed so closely together they’re hard to read, but not so widely spaced that they don’t instantly form a word to someone seeing your design for the first time.”
Signs Express (Swansea)
For graphics, setting your budget is key, says Signs Express.
“There are a vast number of possibilities when it comes to vehicle signage; knowing your budget will allow the graphics to be designed to give the maximum effect. Once this has been determined, you can look at the many options available.
“Think about which parts of your van or lorry are most visible. The most viewed area is often thought to be the rear of a vehicle, so make sure this is a priority and fully utilised. Consider a smaller size or less text elsewhere if your budget is tight.
“For longer words or more detailed graphics, using the side panels works well as they have the largest surface area – just be careful how this will read if doors are open.”
The company continued: “To ensure the maximum lifespan of the graphics, different materials will be used. The vinyl used, along with where the graphics are placed, will make a massive difference to the overall cost.
“For instance, a large logo on a flat panel will use a different material to that of the same sized logo that goes over panel creases, typically done on a partial or full wrap.
“Check the vehicle proof carefully, is it the right make, model, wheelbase, colour? Does it have anything in the way of the graphics, extra locks, access ladders, rubbing strips, aftermarket windows? Is everything spelt correctly?
“Finally, let your insurer know of any vehicle sign writing. Some companies may charge a slight premium as replacing the graphics in any accident will increase the repair bill but others will offer a discount as they believe that the vehicle is less likely to be stolen.”
For Paget’s Produce, by Signs Express Bath
Recent customers include Paget’s Produce. The Paget family have been producing vegetables at Stills Farm for over 100 years. The farm is surrounded by beautiful countryside and the Paget family wanted to showcase this on their trailers. The graphics were installed by Signs Express Bath.
Due to the height of the trailers, two towers and four skilled fitters were required. The project was very time-sensitive as the commercial vehicles are on the road every weekday and were only available during the weekends.
The team at Signs Express Bath commented: “It was a pleasure to see the two refrigerator trailers drive off the fitting site with their brand-new vehicle graphics. We are so happy the client was pleased with the end result and that Paget’s Produce can get some well-deserved recognition on the road.”
